Gutter and roof protection system

ABSTRACT

A gutter and roof protection system includes a gutter cover and a heating element. The gutter cover is installed over a gutter attached to a roof or other sloped surface of a building and includes a first end configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof and an opposite, second end configured to be positioned over a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof. The second end includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel. The heating element is placed within the channel and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The channel on the second end of the gutter cover is positioned so that it places the heating cable near portions of the gutter cover and gutter that are spaced furthest from the building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gutters, gutter covers, and ice and snow melting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a gutter and roof protection system with at least one heating element.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Gutters are often installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces. Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water. Clogged gutters can also overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached. Gutter covers, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344 have been developed to alleviate these problems.

Roofs and other sloped surfaces are also subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, especially on eaves and overhangs which are not positioned over heated areas. Accumulated snow and ice can cause “ice dams” on roofs, gutters, and gutter covers which interfere with the normal shedding and collection of water. As water backs up behind an ice dam, it can flow through small cracks in shingles or other roofing material. Over prolonged periods of time, the freezing and subsequent thawing cycle of the water expands these cracks, eventually damaging the roof and underlying materials. Such ice dams also often break away and fall to the ground, potentially causing injury to persons and damage to property below.

Heating cables and other de-icing products can be placed on roofs, gutter covers and/or gutters to melt snow and ice before it accumulates and forms ice dams. However, heating cables must be fastened with staples, nails or other fasteners or they will move over time and require repositioning. Use of such fasteners creates holes in the roofs and/or gutters, resulting in damage due to water infiltration and the subsequent freezing and thawing described above. This placement of heating cables on top of roof shingles and gutters also creates an impediment to the normal flow of water and can trap leaves and other debris.

Heating cables and other de-icing products can be installed underneath roof shingles to avoid some of the above-described problems, but doing so requires a great deal of labor, especially for existing roofs. Covering heating cables with shingles also reduces their ability to melt snow and ice, increases the risk of fires, and may cause the shingles to become dislodged from the roof over time.

Heating cables are also typically installed in a way that reduces their effectiveness and requires the use of excessive lengths of the cable and/or wasteful power levels. For example, heating cables are often installed at least partially over or near roof areas that need it the least, i.e., areas that are above or near heated rooms and that therefore receive heat from the rooms. Snow and ice that is melted by heating cables installed in these locations often simply refreezes once it reaches portions of a gutter or gutter cover that are spaced further from heated rooms. To partially alleviate this problem, installers often snake the heating cable in a zig-zag or sinusoidal pattern to increase the amount of generated heat for a given surface area and/or use higher voltage cable. Both of these solutions waste energy and cable and increase fire hazards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of gutter covers and heating cables. More particularly, the present invention provides a gutter and roofprotection system which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams.

One embodiment of the present invention broadly comprises a gutter cover and a heating element. The gutter cover is installed over a gutter attached to a roof or other sloped surface of a building and includes a first end configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof and an opposite, second end configured to be positioned over a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the second end includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel.

The heating element is placed within the channel and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The channel is advantageously positioned so that it places the heating cable near portions of the gutter cover and gutter that are spaced furthest from the building. This directs heat to areas that are most subject to the formation of ice dams because of their spacing from the building and any heat emitted therefrom. The channel also retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of fasteners. The channel also positions the heating element so that it doesn't impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or through the gutter or collect debris.

Another embodiment of the invention broadly comprises a gutter, a first heating element, a gutter cover, and a second heating element. The gutter is adapted to be affixed to a building and preferably includes at least one wall defining a water-carrying channel and an elongated slot formed in the wall. The first heating element is placed in the slot for melting snow and ice which accumulates in or on the gutter.

The gutter cover is configured to be affixed over the gutter and includes a first end which is configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof or other sloped surface of the building and an opposite, second end which is configured to be positioned over a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof of the building. The second end includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel. The second heating element is placed in the channel for melting snow and ice which accumulates on the gutter cover. Both the slot in the gutter and the channel in the gutter cover are preferably positioned near a portion of the gutter that is spaced furthest from the building. This directs heat to the portion of the gutter and gutter cover that are most subject to the formation of ice dams because of their spacing from the building and any heat emitted therefrom.

Another embodiment of the invention broadly comprises a gutter, a gutter cover, and a heating element. The gutter is adapted to be affixed to a building and preferably includes a rear wall for attachment to the building, a front wall spaced from the rear wall and the building, and a bottom wall extending between the rear and front walls. The uppermost end of the front wall includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel. The gutter cover is configured to be affixed over the gutter and includes a curved portion which directs water into the gutter and which partially overlies the channel in the gutter. The heating cable is positioned in the channel of the gutter for melting snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The channel in the gutter is advantageously positioned so that it is below a portion of the gutter cover that is furthest from the building and any heat emitted therefrom.

All embodiments of the present invention effectively prevent the formation of ice dams on gutters and gutter covers without the use of wasteful amounts of heating cable and electricity. By using less heating cable and/or lower voltage cable, the present invention also reduces fire risks.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are described more fully in the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter and roofprotection system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a roof of a building.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter and roofprotection system constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial vertical section view of a gutter and roof protection system constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a gutter and roof protection system 10 constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 is adapted to be installed over a gutter 12 affixed to a roof 14 or other sloped surface of a building or other structure and broadly includes a gutter cover 16 and a heating element 18. The system 10 may also include one or more mounting brackets 20 for supporting the gutter cover 16 over the gutter 12, one or more end caps for capping the ends of the gutter cover, and one or more diverter elements for use at converging sloped roof locations.

The gutter 12 over which the system 10 is mounted is conventional and may include a rear wall 22 for attachment to a soffit or other part of the building; a front wall 24 spaced from the rear wall 22 and the building; and a bottom wall 26 extending between a lower edge of the rear wall and a lower edge of the front wall. The particular gutter 12 shown and illustrated herein is provided for purposes of disclosing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Many aspects of the gutter 12, such as its size and construction material, may be selected as a matter of design choice. For example, the gutter may be formed of any suitable material such as aluminum, vinyl, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper and may be sectional or seamless. The gutter may have a K-shape, U-shape, or any other profile and may be of any diameter, such as 4, 5, or 6 inches. The gutter 12 may be attached to the building by hangers or other conventional fasteners and may include a number of downspouts for carrying water to the ground or other collection area. The gutter may also be used with conventional elbows, end caps, and leader pipes.

The gutter cover 16 is designed to collect water from the roof 14 and to direct it into the gutter 12 while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. The gutter cover 16 may be of various shapes and sizes to fit over different sizes and styles of gutters. Examples of gutter covers that may be adapted in accordance with the present invention are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344, all incorporated into the present application by reference. These patents also disclose in more detail the end caps and diverter elements mentioned above. The gutter cover may also be similar to the gutter covers sold by Hart & Cooley under the trademark Gutter Helmet®. The gutter cover 16 may include a number of individual segments which can be interconnected to cover any length of gutter. For example, each segment may be approximately four feet long and may include one end which can slide into an end of an adjacent segment so a plurality of segments can be interconnected to cover a long length of gutter without the use of screws, brackets, or other fasteners joining the segments together. Alternatively, the gutter cover 16 may consist of a continuous, single piece which is sized or cut to fit over a particular length of gutter.

Each gutter cover segment 16 is preferably formed from a single piece of aluminum or other suitable material which is bent into the configuration shown in the drawing figures. If the gutter cover 16 is formed of aluminum, the preferred thickness of each segment is preferably between 1/32″ and 1/16″.

In one exemplary embodiment, the gutter cover 16 is generally J-shaped in cross section and presents a generally flat portion 28 which collects water shed from the roof 14 and a curved portion 30 which directs the water, through capillary action, into the gutter 12. The flat portion 28 may be bent or otherwise formed to include a number of raised ridges 32 to slow the speed of the water as it approaches the curved portion 30. The flat portion 28 terminates in a first end 34 configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof. The curved portion 30 terminates in an opposite, second end 36 configured to be positioned over or adjacent the front wall of the gutter. In accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, second end is bent or otherwise formed to present an elongated channel 38.

The elongated channel 38 receives and retains the heating cable 18 therein. The channel presents an opening 40 which can be manipulated to initially receive the heating cable 18 and then hold it in place as described below. The channel 38 snugly receives the cable 18 and preferably positions it above the front wall 24 of the gutter 12 and under or near a portion of the curved portion 30 of the gutter cover 16. The channel is advantageously positioned so that it places the heating cable near portions of the gutter cover 16 and gutter 12 that are spaced furthest from the building. This directs heat to areas that are most subject to the formation of ice dams because of their spacing from the building and any heat emitted therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the channel positions the heating cable approximately below the point of intersection of the generally flat portion 28 and the curved portion 30 of the gutter cover 16. This prevents the formation of ice dams at the point on the gutter cover 16 which is designed to carry water to the underlying gutter 12 through capillary action. The channel also retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of fasteners and positions the heating element so that it doesn't impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or through the gutter or collect debris.

The heating element 18 is itself conventional and is operable to emit heat when connected to a suitable source of electricity. An example of a heating element 18 that may be used with the present invention is the Tuff brand heating cable manufactured and sold by Heatizon Systems of Salt Lake City, Utah. The preferred heating cable 18 is a 10 gauge coated copper cable that is weather and chemical resistant. The heating cable 18 is connected to a suitable transformer and control box, such as those provided by Heatizon, to provide low-voltage electricity for delivering up to 12 watts of heat per lineal foot of heating cable. The control box may also include or be connected to an activation device, such as those provided by Heatizon, to control when electricity is delivered to the heating cable (for example, only during cold days).

The heating cable 18 may be installed in the gutter cover at any time. For example, the heating cable may be inserted in the channel 38 of the gutter cover 16 as the gutter cover 16 is being installed on a house or other building. This permits an installer to selectively incorporate the heating cable into some gutter covers but not others as the need dictates.

The heating cable 18 is preferably installed by pressing it through the opening 40 of the channel 38 until it is fully seated within the channel. The opening 40 is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of the heating cable 18 so that the opening becomes enlarged when the heating cable is pushed into the channel. Because the gutter cover 16 is preferably formed of metal, the opening 40 returns to its original size once the heating cable 18 is fully inserted in the channel 38 to hold the heating cable in the channel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a gutter and roof protection system 100 constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 of this embodiment broadly comprises a gutter 102, a first heating element 104, a gutter cover 106, and a second heating element 108. The gutter 102 is adapted to be affixed below a roof 103 of a building or other structure and includes a rear wall 110 for attachment to the building by hangers or other fasteners, a front wall 112 spaced from the rear wall and a bottom wall 114 extending between lower edges of the rear wall and the front wall. The rear, front, and bottom walls define a water-carrying channel for collecting water which runs off the roof or other sloped surface and for carrying the water to the ground, a sewer system, or other collection point via downspouts.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, one of the walls of the gutter 102 includes an elongated groove or slot 116 for receiving and retaining the first heating element 104. As illustrated, the elongated slot 116 is preferably formed near the intersection of the front and bottom walls 112,118 of the gutter, but may be formed elsewhere. The elongated slot 116 may be formed within a recessed region 118 of the bottom wall and covered with an elongated cover 120 having a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the recessed region. The cover 100 may be formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, vinyl, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper and may be secured within the recessed region 118 with adhesives or other fasteners or may be retained by friction or a snap-fit. When installed, the top surface of the cover 120 is flush with the top surface of the bottom wall 114 so that neither the heating element 104 nor the cover 120 impedes the flow of water in the gutter 102 or traps leaves or other debris. The cover 120 also prevents water and/or debris from contacting the heating cable.

The first heating element 104 is itself conventional and is operable to emit heat when connected to a suitable source of electricity. An example of a heating element that may be used with the present invention is the Tuff brand heating cable manufactured and sold by Heatizon Systems of Salt Lake City, Utah. The preferred heating cable is a 10-gauge coated copper cable that is weather and chemical resistant. The heating cable is connected to a suitable transformer and control box, such as those provided by Heatizon, to provide low-voltage electricity for delivering up to 12 watts of heat per lineal foot of heating cable. The control box may also include or be connected to an activation device, such as those provided by Heatizon, to control when electricity is delivered to the heating cable (for example, only during cold days).

The elongated slot 116 receives and retains the heating cable 104 and is preferably sized so that the top edge of the heating cable is flush with or below the top of the recessed region 118. For example, in one embodiment, the slot is approximately ⅛″ deep and wide so as to receive and flushly secure an approximate ⅛″ diameter heating cable. This permits the heating cable 104 to heat the bottom wall of the gutter to melt any accumulated snow and ice while preventing the heating cable from obstructing the flow of water through the gutter. The elongated slot also prevents the heating cable from moving, without the use of staples, screws or other fasteners.

The gutter cover 106 is configured to be affixed over the gutter 102 and is preferably the same as the gutter cover 16 of the first embodiment. Thus, the gutter cover 106 includes a first end 122 which is configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof 103 or other sloped surface of the building and an opposite, second end 124 which is configured to be positioned over or near the front wall 112 of the gutter. The distal portion of the second end 124 includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel 126. The second heating element 108, which is preferably identical to the first heating element 104, is placed in the channel 126 for melting snow and ice which accumulates on the gutter cover 106.

Both the slot 116 in the gutter 102 and the channel 126 in the gutter cover 106 are preferably positioned to support the first and second heating elements 104,108 near a portion of the gutter and gutter cover that are spaced furthest from the building. This directs heat from the first and second heating cables to the portion of the gutter and gutter cover that are most subject to the formation of ice dams because of their spacing from the building and any heat emitted therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the slot 116 in the gutter 102 positions the first heating element 104 near the front wall 112 of the gutter and directly under a portion of the gutter cover 106 spaced furthest from the roof 103. Similarly, the channel 126 in the gutter cover 106 positions the second heating element 108 directly under the portion of the gutter cover 106 that begins to curve to carry water shed from the roof 103 to the underlying gutter 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a gutter and roof protection system 200 constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment with the invention. The gutter system 200 broadly comprises a gutter 202, a gutter cover 204, and a heating element 206. The gutter 202 is adapted to be affixed below a roof 208 of a building 210 and preferably includes a rear wall 212 for attachment to the building, a front wall 214 spaced from the rear wall and the building, and a bottom wall 216 extending between the rear and front walls. The uppermost end of the front wall 214 is bent or otherwise formed to present an elongated, partially enclosed channel 218. The gutter cover 204 is configured to be affixed over the gutter 202 and includes a curved portion 220 which directs water into the gutter 202 and which partially overlies the channel 218 in the gutter. The heating cable 206 is positioned in the channel for melting snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The channel in the gutter is advantageously positioned so that it is below a portion of the gutter cover that is furthest from the building and any heat emitted therefrom. This directs heat from the heating cable to a portion of the gutter cover which is most susceptible to the formation of ice dams. The heating cable 206 may be installed in the channel 218 while the gutter cover 204 is being installed over the gutter 202 as described above in connection with the first embodiment of the invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment(s) illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. For example, the exact shape and construction of the gutter covers and gutters shown in the various embodiments of the present invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: 

1. A gutter and roof protection system comprising: a gutter cover configured to be affixed over a gutter of a building, the gutter cover including a first end which is configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on a roof or other sloped surface of the building and an opposite second end which is configured to be positioned over or adjacent a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof of the building, the second end defining an elongated, partially enclosed channel; and a heating element for placement in the channel for melting snow and ice which accumulates on the gutter cover.
 2. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gutter cover is formed of a single piece of material.
 3. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated channel has an opening for receiving the heating element and a closed end for retaining the heating element in the channel.
 4. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the second end of the gutter cover can be bent to widen the opening of the channel to permit insertion of the heating element therein.
 5. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the heating element is a heating cable.
 6. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gutter includes a rear wall for attachment to the building; a front wall spaced from the rear wall; and a bottom wall extending between a lower edge of the rear wall and a lower edge of the front wall, wherein the gutter cover channel is configured to be positioned approximately over the front wall of the gutter.
 7. A gutter and roof protection system comprising: a gutter adapted to be affixed to a building, the gutter including at least one wall defining a water-carrying channel and an elongated slot formed in the wall; a first heating element for placement in the slot for melting snow and ice which accumulates in or on the gutter; a gutter cover configured to be affixed over the gutter, the gutter cover including a first end which is configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on a roof or other sloped surface of the building and an opposite second end which is configured to be positioned over or adjacent a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof of the building, the second end defining an elongated, partially enclosed channel; and a second heating element for placement in the gutter cover channel for melting snow and ice which accumulates on the gutter cover.
 8. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the elongated slot has a depth approximately equal to a diameter of the heating element so the heating element is generally flush with a top surface of the gutter wall when positioned in the slot so as not to block or impede flow of water or debris in the gutter.
 9. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the elongated slot has an opening for receiving the heating element and a closed end for retaining the heating element in the elongated slot.
 10. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the wall of the gutter can be bent to widen the opening of the elongated slot to permit insertion of the heating element therein.
 11. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the first and second heating elements are heating cables.
 12. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the gutter cover is formed of a single piece of material.
 13. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the elongated channel has an opening for receiving the heating element and a closed end for retaining the heating element in the channel.
 14. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the second end of the gutter cover can be bent to widen the opening of the elongated channel to permit insertion of the heating element therein.
 15. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the gutter includes a rear wall for attachment to the building; a front wall spaced from the rear wall; and a bottom wall extending between a lower edge of the rear wall and a lower edge of the front wall, wherein the gutter cover channel is configured to be positioned approximately over the front wall of the gutter.
 16. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the gutter slot is positioned near the gutter front wall.
 17. A gutter and roof protection system comprising: a gutter including a rear wall for attachment to a building, a front wall spaced from the rear wall, an elongated channel on an upper end of the front wall, and a bottom wall extending between the rear and front walls; a gutter cover configured to be affixed over the gutter and including a curved portion which directs water into the gutter and which partially overlies the gutter channel; and a heating element for placement in the channel for melting snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover.
 18. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the gutter cover is formed of a single piece of material.
 19. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the elongated channel has an opening for receiving the heating element and a closed end for retaining the heating element in the channel.
 20. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 17, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. 